Last week we began to look into the history of Cambodia. We are interested in Cambodia as on December 2nd Muritai school is holding an ART AUCTION to raise money for the GREEN GECKO FOUNDATION, a school and home set up to provide street kids with a family, education, health care and a future.
The children worked together to create historical timelines and information flyers, which outlined the terrible rule of the Khmer Rouge, and the rise and fall of Poll Pot. We were horrified to learn about the mass genocide which occurred in Cambodia as recently as the mid 90's.
Poll Pot decided that all intellectual Cambodians (anyone who had an education) posed a threat to his regime, so he sentenced them to death- if you wore glasses you were executed on the spot as this was seen to be a sign of intelligence! He also sent all Cambodians to work on farms, basically turning them into slaves.
When he was overthrown Cambodia was left a poverty stricken country, people were left unable to help themselves out of the enforced poverty and many children were abandoned or orphaned. These children became beggars or child prostitutes and most of them lived on the street.
We are really excited about this Art Auction- AND the chance to make a huge contribution to the lives and education of the Green Gecko family.
Here are some of the art works we have created so far for the auction....
These artworks are created using indian ink and ballpoint pen. They are mounted on wood blocks, varnished and will be sold in sets of three or four. They look really effective and very funky! Perfect for your child's bedroom wall.
ANOTHER thing we have been focusing on is the upcoming election..
The children have been learning about how the elections work- how we vote- what systems we use in New Zealand- what MMP and FPP actually mean- and how a party can become a government. VERY complex, but amazing how the children are able to understand it! The aim is to create a better informed generation, this means when these kids turn 18 they will know how to use their vote effectively.
Today each child formed their own set of policies about the school. Each child shared their vision and policies with the class. Next children who had similar policies or view points created small coalitions. Then each group became a Political party. Currently they are working on agreeing to a set of party policies where all of their visions are combined, slogans, and a campaign. Later in the week they will present their party to the class and we will hold a mini election. In the true spirit of MMP if no party wins majority they will have to seek support through another coalition. mmmm who would of thought politics could be so enjoyable!!!
Another exciting opportunity we enjoyed was playing Ti Utu- a traditional Maori ball game, involving an irregular shaped ball that you have to catch 1 handed and with out stepping. We worked hard as teams to become strategic players. It is high skill, fast paced and was extremely fun to play. We will be continuing to build these skills throughout the term.
Lastly i want to share what we did for Inquiry- At the moment the children are focusing on building their problem solving, technical thinking and co-operative skills. To promote this we took part in a technology challenge called "MacGyver Again"! the idea is that you are stuck up to your ankles in setting concrete. There is a chisel and hammer 2 1/2 meters away from you. A bomb is going to go off in 30 minutes. Of course the 'bad guys' have left rubbish lying about within your reach. Each group had 30 minutes to design, make, test and evaluate a device that would bring the hammer and chisel within reach, and thus releasing you from certain doom. Sadly only one group was able to successfully escape! but we ALL had a great, challenging afternoon.
And so week 2 is drawing to and end....... Keep checking the blog to see the many more interesting and engaging work your children will be pursuing in class! And maybe over dinner tonight you could ask.....
"so... could you explain politics in New Zealand to me dear..." You might just be surprised by the reply :)
Ms Berry
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